The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Although look upbeat about the progress of the election roadmap, Bangladesh's development partners appeared a bit worried seeing a slowed down economy, inflation and price-spiral of essentials.

Western diplomats and donor agencies who are closely watching the post-state of emergency situation now admit in private discussions that price-hike of essentials is a real challenge for the caretaker government

They are also concerned about the monetary inflation and slow economic activities following the crackdown on corrupt businesses. The absence of names of big business magnets from the latest official list of 35 suspected corrupts is seen by many as a change in the strategy of the government's current anti-graft drive. It is to be seen whether it is a step towards bringing the business people before the proposed Truth Commission.

However, the Bangladesh's development partners do not like to see Bangladesh return to the pre-January political scenario marked by hostile politics, hartal, blockade and bloodshed.

They are of the opinion that Bangladesh should have new political leadership through party reforms to steer the country towards enduring democracy and sustainable development There may be temporary pains, but there is a lot of promise in the long run, some diplomats said.

The diplomats expressed satisfaction over the progress of the preparation of the election roadmap and are appreciative of the repeated assurance by the Chief Adviser and the Chief Election Commissioner that the parliamentary polls could be held before the timeline of December next year, provided the electoral roll is complete.

Particularly, the diplomats and senior officials of the US State Department, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Japan who recently visited Dhaka were happy being reassured by the Chief of the Army Staff that he and the army has no political ambition. However, after the unprecedented student protests across the country on August 20-22, the development partners feel that the road ahead of the general elections may not be silky.

Even Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda openly admited at a reception at the British High Commissioner's residence that the road condition in Bangladesh is not good. He said there are many speed breakers, potholes in the road, saying that it needs collective efforts to overcome any obstacle.

He said: "Everybody is serious and everybody wants a change." British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury, who is usually vocal about the political developments here, says credible elections that can sustain democracy are essential for Bangladesh's future development He says that partnership between the government and international donors including the UK's contribution of US$20 million to the overall 88 million pounds budget reflect this shared interest The British envoy, however, frequently cautions that challenge remain and nothing should be allowed to deflect the caretaker government from its commitment to restore democratic process and hold credible polls in accordance with the roadmap.

Like the CEC, the Bangladeshi-born British envoy would not overlook the bumps and holes on the long journey since 15 months or less are left for the election.

The High Commissioner observes that in overcoming obstacles, Britain has consistently urged the government, the army and law enforcing agencies to act impartially with respect for public safety, human rights, media freedom and due process in line with Bangladesh's international human rights obligations.

Foreign diplomats would not, however, make any comments on cases against two former Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia and granting bails by High Court and subsequent overturn of the High Court's order by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court "It's a sub-judice mater," one diplomat said while USA, UK, Germany and EU would only spell out their avowed position that the due process should be followed in each case. US and British diplomats say they are closely monitoring the cases.

Although the diplomats favour complete lifting of ban on political activities and the current state of emergency, but said the government and the people would work it out when and how these would be withdrawn.

The diplomats also wait to see the outcome of political dialogues being undertaken by the Election Commission and hoped that political parties and the Commission would figure out a consensus on holding a fair and acceptable election.